Meet Team Scotland's 12-man Rugby Sevens Squad

Ibrox Stadium recently played host to the official announcement of the 12-man squad selected to represent Scotland at rugby sevens in July.

As the players posed for the media in their new kit, team coach and head of performance development for Scottish rugby, Stephen Gemmell, spoke of his squad picks. He said: "I have selected a group of players that can be successful at home games. This is the most important selection I have ever made and the biggest ever for Scotland Sevens.

"The balance of players I have opted for is the strongest combination available to me. I'd like to thank Scotland, Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby for their support.

"I'm delighted to bring in a number of the players who were involved with the top-four finish in the Emirates Airline Glasgow Sevens earlier this month and add to that group players who have a sevens pedigree or who I believe add value to the squad."

Meet the squad who will be aiming to entertain the home crowds and pick up a medal for Team Scotland…

Colin Gregor (captain)

Versatile skipper Gregor has led the Scottish sevens team since 2009, playing in both scrum-half and stand-off positions. As a veteran of three Rugby Sevens World Cups and the 2006 Commonwealth Games, the former Glasgow Warrior is the first Scot, and one of only of eight players worldwide, to score over 1,000 points during play at the IRB World Sevens Series.

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Richie Vernon

The Dundee-born prop played an integral part in Scotland's fourth-place finish at the Emirates Airline Glasgow 7s in early May, his two tries and all-round performances having earned him a place in the Commonwealth Games squad. Despite only 13 caps playing for Scottish sevens squads, the Glasgow Warriors' back row giant has amassed 120 points since his debut in 2005.

Sean Lamont

With 86 international caps earned playing for Scottish 15-a-side teams, Lamont brings quality and experience to this summer's squad. Now in his second spell at Glasgow Warriors, the Perth-born prop/winger played at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Further to his sevens call-up, Lamont has been selected by new international 15s coach Vern Cotter to play in Scotland's June tour as they travel to the USA, Canada, Argentina and South Africa.

Tommy Seymour

Along with Sean Lamont, Seymour is the second 15s international player to be selected for the Commonwealth Games squad. Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Seymour's path prior to climbing the ranks of Scottish rugby was an unorthodox one, including caps earned playing for Ireland U19s via a spell spent in Dubai. Since his full debut last June, the winger has picked up eight caps and stood out with his first try in Scotland's close run 17-19 defeat against France in this year's RBS Six Nations tie at Murrayfield.

James Eddie

Paisley-born Eddie has earned a reputation as one of the most popular players at Glasgow Warriors with fans and teammates alike. Having joined the Warriors as an apprentice a decade ago, he made his full debut in 2006, adding much to the team with his height and strength at flanker. With his power and handling of the ball, Eddie will be looking to add to his eight caps with appearances in the prop position at Ibrox Stadium.

James Johnstone

With 18 Sevens World Series caps and 22 tries behind him, 24-year-old Dumfries-born Johnstone makes his Commonwealth Games debut at centre following a run of impressive performances in the past season. A player of power and elusiveness in equal measure, the former Watsonian has represented Scotland at under-17, under-19 and under-20 level.

Roddy Grant

Following a season of strong performances playing for Edinburgh, Grant brings added know-how and leadership qualities to the 12-man squad. With previous experience of captaining his team in the IRB World Series in 2008/09, the Botswana-born prop/hooker returns to the side after a four-year absence. Rugby runs through Grant's blood as both his grandfather and great-uncle both played the game; the latter having played at full back for Scotland and later selected to manage the British Lions in 1977.

Scott Riddell

Edinburgh-born and based Riddell is another player who was integral to the squad that performed well in the penultimate tournament of this year's IRB Sevens World Series held at Scotstoun. Making his debut in 2009, Riddell appeared for Scotland at the Rugby Sevens World Cup and a year later at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi. A former club player at Stewart's Melville FP, the prop/hooker focuses now solely on the sevens game.

Colin Shaw

Similar to teammate Scott Ridell, former Glasgow Warrior Shaw has dedicated his professional career to the sevens format since 2012. The Irvine-born prop/centre will make his second Commonwealth Games appearance having represented Scotland in Delhi four years ago. Shaw is second only to squad captain Colin Gregor for highest individual points scored during HSBC Sevens World Series matches.

Lee Jones

Despite his four full international caps for Scotland 15s, Jones' style and prowess is well-adapted to the sevens game. A natural scrum-half, the 25-year-old earlier this year made the switch from Edinburgh to Glasgow Warriors as part of a loan period. The young borderer, whose previous clubs include Selkirk, makes his second Commonwealth Games appearance.

Scott Wight

Galashiels-born Wight is the only player in the squad with a connection to Melrose, the home of rugby sevens. Playing at stand-off, his ball handling skills and reading of the game have seen Wight captain the Greenyards club to success in both the league and the Melrose Cup. The 28-year-old is one of the seven players at Glasgow Warriors selected for the Commonwealth Games squad.

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Mark Bennett

At 21-years-old, Mark Bennett is the youngest player selected for the 12-man squad. Tipped as a rising star of the game, Bennett has proven versatility and is comfortable playing at both centre and on the wing. Given responsibility at a tender age, he has captained both his under-16s and under-18s squads. As Scotland's top try scorer during the Hong Kong leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series earlier this year, his overall performances earned him a natural place in the Games squad.

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